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Today's briefing covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, Rocket Lab's upcoming Neutron rocket launch, NASA's lunar nuclear reactor project, and more.
COSMOS 551 DEB (06389)
COSPAR: 1973-012D | Alt Name: KDU
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 6, 1973
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC31
Launch Vehicle
Voskhod 11A57
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06389
International Designator
1973-012D
Decay Date
3/22/1973
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 551 DEB
Alternative Name
KDU
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GUKOSR
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
Space debris, also known as space junk, encompasses all non-functional objects orbiting Earth such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegrations. Over time, this debris can accumulate and create an increasingly hazardous environment in orbit. Even tiny fragments, traveling at extremely high velocities, can inflict significant damage on operational satellites and spacecraft. If left unmanaged, the density of debris raises the risk of catastrophic collisions and further fragmentation, compounding the problem and threatening the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1
Diameter
0.4
Span
1
Dry Mass
140
Launch Mass
430
Shape
Frust
Radar Cross Section
14.65
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
KDU
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSKBE3
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Zenit KDU
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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